Updated July 29, 2019: Sometimes a vacant house just screams for a makeover. That’s when those fixer-upper ideas and house flipper fever start to take hold, capturing even the most cautious of us. Just slap on some paint, and voila—it’s ready to sell. Right?
It’s a little more complicated than that.
According to Real Estate Worldwide, an estimated 250,000 people in the US look for fixer-upper properties to flip each year. Spring and Fall can be an especially busy time to home flip.
Whether flippers do most of the work themselves or hire remodeling contractors, everybody needs quality tools to turn those fixer-upper ideas into reality. These kinds of tools are also ideal for a homeowner’s own remodeling needs.
It’s best to buy a house with a floor plan that works and that has a good foundation, roof, plumbing and mechanical systems. But sometimes the walls have to move or at the very least the drywall needs to be replaced. Make sure flippers have pro-grade tools with which to tear out, install and clean up!
Reality Check
Reality TV shows about flipping often don’t deal with budget pitfalls. Show customers you care by posting a thought-provoking, reality-check sheet that encourages potential flippers to think things through before committing to a purchase:
Existing wiring in a fixer-upper can be a mess. Or worse, the wiring is so unsafe that it can’t handle modern appliances. In those cases, an electrician needs to be called in. But speaker and intercom wiring is another story. If there is an antiquated in-house intercom, it can be updated. And for a higher-end flip—as well as remodeling projects—it’s a great time to install ceiling speakers for a home entertainment system!
Seasoned flippers never underestimate the value of new paint, new hardware and attention to detail. Bathrooms and utility rooms should be properly vented, and a smart door lock is a great selling point!
Flips require work. Figuring out which fixer-upper ideas are doable with a particular house can be challenging.
Regardless of the structural or aesthetic need, the goal is to get in and out of that fixer-upper in under 3 months to generate a quick profit and avoid the slow, winter real estate months.
Therefore, help your flippers maximize job site productivity by selling them quality products. Check out all our tools, home theater, and custom install products on order.petra.com!